One of the oldest civilizations in the world, India has undergone several historical moments that are still remembered until this day. India was under the British rule until 1947. The country was granted independence on the 15th of August, 1947 – a day the nation celebrates until today as genuine sovereignty was finally declared. After more than 200 years as a colony of Britain, India was finally free from British rule. The strife of its freedom fighters for independence finally emerged victorious. Thus, each citizen has every reason to rejoice on August 15th of every year, also known as  Independence Day in India.

Here is everything you need to know about the National Day (Independence Day) in India.

Table of Contents

• Is Independence Day in India a public holiday?
• History of Independence Day in India
• Important Symbols of Independence Day in India
• India Independence Day Activities and Celebrations
• Past and Future Observances of Independence Day in India

Is Independence Day in India a public holiday?

Independence Day in India is considered one of its national holidays. Independence Day is considered a gazetted holiday in India, which means it is equivalent to a public holiday in other countries. Thus, all government offices, banks, and post offices are closed on the 15th of August each year. Some businesses are still open, although they usually have reduced opening hours. However, public transport remains operational, although traffic becomes worse due to activities and celebrations in line with the Independence Day programs.

History of Independence Day in India

India was subject to the British rule and was struggling for independence since the late 1800s. It started with the Sepoy Mutiny in Meirut, which later ignited bigger revolutions. In the 20th century, organizations, spearheaded by the Indian National Congress (INC), launched a nationwide independence movement with the main goal to achieve independence for India. This movement is characterized by a non-violent resistance and civil disobedience efforts led by the popular Mahatma Gandhi.

On the midnight between August 14th and August 15th in 1947, India became a free country. Colonial powers were lifted, and India finally acquired its liberty. It was the first time that the Prime Minister of India raised the national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. In 1947, the Indian Prime Minister was Jawaharlal Nehru who gave his famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech. This started the tradition of flag-raising and speech delivery of the incumbent Prime Minister and President of India every 15th of August.

Important Symbols of Independence Day in India

Independence Day in India is observed through several symbolisms. One prominent symbol used to commemorate the important day is kite flying. Countless kites are flown from fields and rooftops which represent the free spirit of India. Another significant marker of the Independence Day in India is the place where Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru first raised the Indian national flag in 1947. The Red Fort in Delhi is decorated and remains the place where the current highest ruler of the country raises the flag every 15th of August.

The flag of India is the other important symbolism of Independence Day. This is the date when the national flag is hoisted and paraded across the country. The Indian flag is a horizontal tricolor which consists of deep saffron (kesaria), white in the middle, and dark green at the bottom. These colors are included in equal proportion and depict the values of Indians. Saffron represents strength and courage. White represents peace and truth, while green represents fertility and growth. There is also a navy-blue wheel in the center of the white band of the flag, which represents Dharma Chakra.

India Independence Day Activities and Celebrations

During Independence Day in India, the President delivers a speech addressed to the whole country and the Prime Minister raises the Indian flag above the historical Red Fort in Delhi, where it was first unveiled in 1947. A twenty-one gun salute is fired to honor the solemnity of the event. The nation also sings its national anthem, the “Jana Gana Mana”. Likewise, most governmental and non-governmental institutions in India conduct a separate flag hoisting event as well. The majority of government offices and buildings are decorated with lights too, usually following the colors of the national flag. These formal celebrations are then followed by parades and pageants. Some schools host cultural events to mark the occasion and to let the students experience the patriotic spirit brought about by the Independence Day in India.

In Delhi, as well as some other cities in India, folks celebrate the Independence Day through flying kites of various sizes, designs, and colors. There are also concerts, competitions, and film festivals hosted by public and private organizations to commemorate this event. Usually, the national television channels in India show movies about the nation’s struggle for independence prior to 1947. Families are seen spending the day together in a public park or in an entertainment center. Almost every corner in India is decorated with the symbols of independence. Houses, cars, and wristbands are just some of the few spots where the tricolor characterizing the Indian flag is painted.

Meanwhile, for Indians in other parts of the world, this special day is celebrated in their communities through parades. In the United States, in local communities where Indians comprise a significant percentage, August 15th is already regarded as “Indian Day”.

Past and Future Observances of Independence Day in India

Below are the past and future observances of the Independence Day of India over a span of ten years: